The government has contained a fierce fire in Isiolo County, Kenya. The fire began on January 17 and affected about 2,500 hectares of forest. It primarily destroyed animal pastures in the Cherab and Garbatulla sub-counties.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security Raymond Omollo gave an update on Sunday. He spoke in Sericho, where he led a team to assess the situation. Omollo said emergency teams were sent to the affected areas immediately after the fires broke out.
"The various emergency teams have done a commendable job," Omollo said. "They managed to contain the fires yesterday completely and are now monitoring the situation."
The most affected areas were Sericho, Bandana, Dadacha Basa, Eleturku, and Merti, which are about 300 kilometers from Isiolo town. No human life was lost in the fires.
Investigations are underway into the cause of the fires. Some claims suggest herders may have started them to clear pathways for animals or scare away pests. Other claims point to honey harvesters. Omollo warned against lighting fires during dry and windy seasons. He said action would be taken against anyone found responsible.
The government will help affected livestock farmers restock and assist locals in acquiring pasture for their animals. Omollo thanked the teams that battled the fire, including government officers, local community members, and organizations.
More than 120 rangers and 40 firefighting specialists were deployed, supported by aerial surveillance and specialized equipment. Omollo reiterated the government's commitment to helping pastoralists improve livestock products.
Forestry PS Gitonga Mugambi also thanked the firefighting teams. He urged the local community to avoid lighting fires during dry and windy seasons. Mugambi attributed the increased incidents partly to climate change.
"I encourage everyone to plant trees when the rains come to help combat climate change," Mugambi said. "This is a clear impact of climate change."
The Chief Conservator of Forests and Isiolo County Commissioner were also present at the event.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security Raymond Omollo gave an update on Sunday. He spoke in Sericho, where he led a team to assess the situation. Omollo said emergency teams were sent to the affected areas immediately after the fires broke out.
"The various emergency teams have done a commendable job," Omollo said. "They managed to contain the fires yesterday completely and are now monitoring the situation."
The most affected areas were Sericho, Bandana, Dadacha Basa, Eleturku, and Merti, which are about 300 kilometers from Isiolo town. No human life was lost in the fires.
Investigations are underway into the cause of the fires. Some claims suggest herders may have started them to clear pathways for animals or scare away pests. Other claims point to honey harvesters. Omollo warned against lighting fires during dry and windy seasons. He said action would be taken against anyone found responsible.
The government will help affected livestock farmers restock and assist locals in acquiring pasture for their animals. Omollo thanked the teams that battled the fire, including government officers, local community members, and organizations.
More than 120 rangers and 40 firefighting specialists were deployed, supported by aerial surveillance and specialized equipment. Omollo reiterated the government's commitment to helping pastoralists improve livestock products.
Forestry PS Gitonga Mugambi also thanked the firefighting teams. He urged the local community to avoid lighting fires during dry and windy seasons. Mugambi attributed the increased incidents partly to climate change.
"I encourage everyone to plant trees when the rains come to help combat climate change," Mugambi said. "This is a clear impact of climate change."
The Chief Conservator of Forests and Isiolo County Commissioner were also present at the event.
